Communities are being encouraged to apply for Community Pride Funds as part of Stirling 2014.Applications must demonstrate how they celebrate one of the following 2014 themes or events:

Food and Drink Scotland

Active Scotland – our reputation as an active destination

Creative Scotland – a place of culture and creativity

Natural Scotland –a place of natural beauty

Bannockburn 700

Commonwealth Games

Ryder Cup

First World War.

The Community Pride Fund is open to community councils, community development trusts and incorporated organisations, provided they’re delivering a project to a single geographic or community council area.Stirling Council Funding Officer Jean Cowie said: “In recognition of the importance of 2014, we will accept more than one application per community,where funds allow, provided each application celebrates a different2014 theme or event.”Applications are now being accepted and will remain open until November 2014. Applications will be considered and awarded on a regular basis, with the final round of awards being made by early December 2014. All grants must be spent in full by the end of December 2014.Jean added: “All projects must be fully inclusive and aimed at all sectors of the community, without political or religious bias.”Application forms are available by phone (01786 233143), email or from website